“I’m very keen to hear from anyone with any information about who might own these guinea pigs and dumped them in this way.

“Two of the female guinea pigs we caught are pregnant so it’s possible the owner became overwhelmed with the number of pets - but still, abandoning an animal is never the right option.”

She added: “The five guinea pigs are now being cared for at a private boarding establishment where they’re getting all the TLC they need.

“Some are suffering with mites and will need some veterinary treatment and the pregnant females will soon be giving birth, but once all are recovered and well, the RSPCA will able able to find them loving new homes.”

Anyone with any information can contact inspector Wheeler by leaving her a message on the RSPCA’s inspector’s appeal line number 0300 123 8018.